New World Cichlids
Care Sheet
A Fish for Every Aquarist
Behavior/Compatibility
New World cichlids belong to the Family Cichlidae and are found
throughout Central and South America, as well as Mexico and southern
Texas. Size and temperament span the entire range from tiny to colossal,
from peaceful to highly aggressive, and all points in between. Most are
relatively easy to keep and males of many species are brilliantly colored,
especially when breeding. Many have almost human personalities and
can develop into true pets. No matter what sized aquarium you own,
what your level of experience is or what kind of water you have, there
is a New World cichlid just right for you!
Male New World cichlids – even small species – are territorial, especially
towards one another. Care should be taken when keeping mated pairs
with other fish. Make sure there is plenty of space and cover, and be
prepared to remove fish that are not compatible. Remember, what we
think is a large aquarium in our home is small compared to the amount
of space they are used to in nature. Also, unless you are buying mature
adults, the fish you bring home will usually grow considerably. When
mixing different species of cichlids, try to purchase juveniles so they
accept each other as they grow and mature. Hobbyists sometimes mix
New World cichlids with those from Africa, and while this can work,
case by case compatibility is difficult to predict. Non-cichlid tank mates
should include larger, active fish such as giant danios, silver dollars,
tinfoil barbs, sharks and medium to large catfish. Always consult an
aquarium expert before buying any new fish for your aquarium.
Natural Habitat
New World cichlids occur in every conceivable aquatic environment,
from fast flowing streams, to quiet rivers, from lakes to backwaters
and swamps, from freshwater to brackish to full saltwater. Habitat can
include downed trees, boulder fields, caves, weed beds, and open sand
or mud flats. Always research fish you intend to keep and set up your
aquarium appropriately before bringing them home.
Water Requirements
Because of the underlying geology, Central American cichlids typically
live in hard, alkaline water with a pH usually above 7.6. South American
cichlids, on the other hand, tend to inhabit soft, more acidic waters.
Water temperature ranges from mid-60’s to well above 84° F,
depending on location, although most species do best between 75°
and 80° F. Most New World cichlids offered for sale are commercially
raised and tolerate a wide range of water parameters, however, if you
are interested in breeding your fish, it’s best to research their natural
environment and attempt to duplicate it as closely as possible. If the
aquarium is kept in a room below 75° F, use an Aqueon® aquarium
heater to increase the temperature. Maintain good filtration and
do a 10% water exchange every two weeks or 25% once a month
using an Aqueon® Aquarium Water Changer or Siphon Vacuum Gravel
Cleaner. Don’t forget to treat tap water with Aqueon® Water
Conditioner before refilling your aquarium!
Housing
Cichlids need space, and since many New World cichlids get quite large,
their homes need to be BIG! In addition, they can be messy eaters, so a
high capacity filter is recommended. Structure in the form of rocks,
driftwood, artificial décor and weighted plastic plants help establish
territorial boundaries and maintain peace and harmony in the cichlid
aquarium. Many New World cichlids dig, so live plants are not
recommended. Rocks and other large objects should be properly
balanced or anchored to prevent them from falling and damaging the
aquarium. Lighting should be subdued as many New World cichlids
inhabit shady areas in the wild.
Feeding
Most New World cichlids are either carnivores or omnivores and should
be fed a variety of high quality foods which will depend on their type
and size. For smaller sized species and juveniles, Aqueon® Tropical
Flakes or Tropical Color Flakes will work best until they mature into
adulthood. For herbaceous cichlids, Aqueon® Spirulina Flakes are a
good source of nutrition for all life stages. With many cichlids, as they
grow, so will their food. Most adult New World cichlids can be fed the
appropriate sized extruded pellet food such as Aqueon® Cichlid Pellets
or Tropical Granules. Another food option is the freeze-dried food
Aqueon® Monster Fish Medley. Avoid feeding your cichlids live goldfish
and other feeder fish, as they are not nutritionally balanced, can
potentially carry diseases and may cause water quality problems.
For best results, rotate your fishes’ diet daily and feed only what they
can consume in 2 to 3 minutes, once or twice a day.
Breeding Level - Intermediate
When it comes to breeding behaviors of New World cichlids, spawning
strategies vary from species to species, so it’s best to research breeding
for your specific fish and proceed accordingly. Many New World cichlids
are easy to breed, and if left alone they will do all the work! Others can
be quite difficult and success requires time, patience and perseverance.
Eggs are typically laid on a solid surface, and are diligently cared for by
the parents. Young or inexperienced fish may eat their first batch or two
of eggs, especially if they feel threatened by other fish in the aquarium.
It is not necessary to remove eggs after they are laid – in fact, you will
have better results if you let the parents raise them. Again, conduct
research on each particular species.
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